The little fellow was more delighted than I can tell you. He had
always wanted to own geese, and this was such a good chance. And
he made up his mind on the instant that as soon as he got them
home, he would remove the queer-looking collar from the gander's
neck.

Then he set out for home, oh, so proudly!

On one arm he carried carefully the basket of eggs; under the
other was the gray goose, with her legs securely tied. Behind him,
led, or rather dragged, by a stout cord passed through the opening
in the yoke, came the white gander, who was quite able by
spreading his powerful wings to contest every step of the way.
Poor Master Sunshine! What a time he did have, and how very hot
and excited he was before he reached home!

Almira Jane saw him coming, and flew to meet him. Never in her
life had she seen such a strange sight. The little fellow set the
basket of eggs gently on the ground, laid the struggling goose on
her side, and made the Wanderer fast to a fence-post, before he
could answer her many questions.

Then he mopped his forehead with his small handkerchief, and drew
a deep sigh of relief.

"O Almira Jane! it has been the worst time," he said. "If you'll
just look at my stockings, I am afraid you will see that there is
lots of darning to be done."

Almira Jane surveyed the calves of his plump legs wonderingly.